THE RSPCA today warned of a “a growing animal cruelty crisis” as it released figures showing the number of people convicted for mistreating animals on Merseyside.

There were 32 convictions for animal cruelty in the county last year.

But while that fell from 35 in 2011 – the charity’s annual prosecutions report revealed a near 16% increase in the number of defendants convicted last year in England and Wales.

Horror stories across the country included a dog slashed with a knife by his owner, two tiny puppies who had been buried alive, more than 30 rabbits and guinea pigs found living amongst dead animals in slurry-filled hutches and an emaciated pony pinned to the ground by his tether.

On Merseyside, a Wirral man appeared in court in January for possessing “hawk catching jackets” designed to trap and kill wild birds of prey. School bus driver Robert Platt, of Bryn Bank, Wallasey, 53, was prosecuted after the devices were spotted on his allotment.

Executing a warrant, the RSPCA and police discovered various bird trapping equipment – including cage traps and three hawk catching jackets in an outhouse. The leather harness jackets had nooses and fishing hooks attached.

Officers also found a malnourished magpie being kept in a unset trap at his allotment.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “The only purpose for these jackets would be to ensnare and kill a wild bird of prey.

“This was a very serious case and the articles seized were capable of committing very serious offences against birds of prey.”

Platt was given a two-year conditional discharge, ordered to pay £2,000 in costs and relinquish the magpie after pleading guilty to possessing traps and pigeon jackets which were capable of taking a wild bird.

RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: "The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Our staff, volunteers and branches show tremendous dedication but they are struggling to keep up.

“For us, prosecution is always the last resort. Our inspectors investigated 150,833 suspected cruelty cases and issued 78,090 advice notices last year - these are extremely effective in improving the care of animals.

“However if there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse. We also want to see judges taking these offences far more seriously.”

National RSPCA week run until Sunday and the annual fundraising and awareness drive is aiming to beat £395,000 collected last year.